Respiratory allergies: understanding symptoms, triggers and treatments

Respiratory allergies can take different forms

Respiratory allergies may cause allergic rhinitis, which affects the nose. Symptoms include sneezing, a runny nose, itching and nasal congestion. When eye symptoms also occur, such as redness, itching or watering, this is called allergic rhinoconjunctivitis.

They can also take the form of allergic asthma, which affects the bronchial airways and may cause coughing, breathlessness, wheezing or chest tightness. A person may experience several of these allergic conditions together.

Common allergens include pollen, dust mites, mould and animal allergens, which can be carried on animals’ fur. Depending on the allergen and the level of exposure, symptoms may occur during particular seasons or persist throughout the year.

Identifying allergy triggers and relieving symptoms

Management begins with identifying the allergens responsible. This involves considering the symptoms, the circumstances in which they occur and, where necessary, an allergy assessment.

Once the trigger has been identified, certain measures can help reduce exposure:

• For dust mite allergies: regularly washing bedding at 60°C and using suitable dust mite-proof covers may help.
• For pollen allergies: checking pollen forecasts, adjusting outdoor activities when pollen levels are high and rinsing your hair in the evening can help limit exposure.
• For animal allergies: keeping the animal out of the bedroom is one possible measure.

These steps should be adapted to each person’s situation.

Treatments can also relieve symptoms. These include antihistamines and suitable nasal sprays for allergic rhinitis, as well as certain eye drops for eye symptoms.

Asthma requires specific treatment, including inhaled medication. Antihistamines alone are not enough to treat it.

Allergen immunotherapy: targeting the allergic response

For some people, an allergy specialist may recommend allergen immunotherapy, also known as desensitisation. This involves regularly administering appropriate doses of the allergen responsible to help the immune system become more tolerant of it.

It is used for certain pollen and dust mite allergies. For animal allergies, its suitability should be discussed with a specialist, depending on the allergen involved and the treatments available.

In France, desensitisation for respiratory allergies is administered under the tongue, using drops or tablets, depending on the prescribed treatment. This is known as sublingual immunotherapy.

The aim is to achieve a lasting reduction in symptoms and reduce the need for medicines used to relieve them. Benefits may continue after treatment ends.

Treatment generally lasts three to five years. Making it part of your daily routine and following the prescribed dosing schedule can help you get the most benefit. Regular follow-up appointments with the allergy specialist allow them to assess the results and how well the treatment is tolerated.

The decision to begin treatment follows an allergy assessment and a discussion with the specialist. They consider the symptoms, their impact on daily life, the expected benefits and possible side effects. If the person has asthma, how well it is controlled is also part of this assessment.

Your experience matters too

Living with a respiratory allergy can mean adjusting your habits, following a treatment plan and organising activities around your symptoms. Listening to people affected by these allergies helps us better understand their experiences and needs.

We offer surveys that give you the opportunity to share your experiences and opinions. Some may offer rewards as a thank-you for the time spent responding, depending on the terms specified for each survey.

Taking part means making your voice heard and sharing what matters to you in everyday life.